If you're about to throw away an old pair of pantyhose, stop, consider: Edna Drake Shearman (you probably knew her as “Mrs. Edna or “Edna”) who entered eternal life on the 19th of January 2018.
Her spirit is carried on by her son and daughter-in-law and her two grandsons, and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Mrs. Edna during her 101 years of life, among them: never throw away old pantyhose. Use the old ones to tie gutters, child-proof cabinets, tie farm gates, or as once happen used as fan belt for her car until a new belt could be had.
She was born in Roswell, NM on Dec. 25, 1916 to Maggie and Omar Drake. Her parents died when she was very young and then she was raised by an aunt and uncle in Chattanooga. She graduated City High School in 1934, and then worked for Bell Telephone as an operator until moving to Ten Mile and attending Tennessee Wesley in Athens, Tn. until graduation in 1938.
After graduation she held many interesting jobs and was successful in each. They included working in the math department at K-25 in the Secret City (Oak Ridge), high school math teacher, teacher for home bound students, GED teacher, elementary school teacher, and assistant post master.
Also: If a possum takes up residence in your wood shed, grab a hoe to coax him out. If he doesn't leave, sic the dogs on him.
Let a dog (or two or three) in the house just for a little awhile even though pets aren’t allowed in.
Go to church - you’re likely to learn something about God, the Bible, yourself, or others.
Never say mean things about anybody; “but, by the grace of God you could be that person."
At school picky-eating children were always reminded not to waste food for there was a child starving somewhere and they were wishing for that food.
Help anyone struggling who asks for it. Never withhold your help from those who need it and ask for it.
Choose to believe the best about everyone until they prove otherwise.
Take magazines you've already read to your school and other places for others to enjoy.
In her lifetime, Mrs. Edna made contact with her students and people time after time. Those who've taken her life lessons to heart will continue to ensure that a cold drink will be provided for the thirsty, every baby will be loved, every nursing home resident will be visited, the hungry will have a sandwich, the guest will have a warm bed and soft nightlight, and the encroaching possum will know the soothing sensation of a garden hoe brushed upon its back.
Above all, Mrs. Edna had something to say -- to everyone, about everything. You may read this and recall a conversation or lecture from her that touched your heart, tickled your funny bone, or maybe made you say "huh?"
She is survived by her son, Neil Shearman, and much loved daughter-in-law, Susan Shearman, and grandsons, Zach and Seth Shearman, whose life adventures she loved to share with all that would listen, for as long she was able to keep up with them. Also special friends Atlas and Denise Shannon and special thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to the staff and management of Morning Pointe of Athens, as well as many other friends and acquaintances too numerous to mention here.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at Ten Mile Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be on Monday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. in Mt. Wesley cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ten Mile Church building fund.